MANILA – Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws broke free from a two-game slump by surviving Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 25-15, 20-25, 25-17, 24-26, 15-11, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Knotted at 9-all in the fifth set, Tin Ubaldo and Faida Bakanke strung together four straight points, including the latter’s back-to-back blocks on Ateneo main gunner Lyann de Guzman to establish a 13-9 advantage.
Bakanke then finished the match with a down-the-line hit for the Lady Tamaraws’ second win in four outings after two hours and 25 minutes.
“Actually, marami kaming adjustments. Very happy din that they performed, ‘yun nga lang dapat hindi kulang, dapat ready sila in case na ganito ang mangyari,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak after the game.
“Gusto pa namin pukpukin ‘yung mga ito para pagdating towards the second round ready na kami to fight back nga sa lahat ng nagiging struggles namin ngayon,” she added.
Gerzel Petallo contributed 18 points on 14 attacks and four blocks, along with 14 receptions and nine digs to lead the Lady Tamaraws, while Bakanke and Mitzi Panangin had 15 and 11, respectively.
De Guzman made 23 points, 12 receptions, and 11 digs; Sobe Buena also tallied a triple-double line of 18 points, 13 receptions, and 12 digs, while AC Miner and Yvanna Sulit got 13 and 10 points, respectively, as the Blue Eagles slid to a 1-3 record.
Meanwhile, De La Salle University Lady Spikers turned back University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-22, 24-26, 25-18, 25-17, to get back to their winning ways.
Angel Canino top-scored with 24 points on 20 attacks and four blocks to go with five excellent digs and four excellent receptions as the Lady Spikers improved to a 2-2 win-loss slate.
Shevana Laput added 21 markers on 15 attacks, three blocks, and three service aces, while rookie Lilay del Castillo contributed 11 markers on four blocks, four aces, and three attacks for DLSU./PN
